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Koeman 'committed to Southampton' amid Netherlands links

The former Feyenoord manager has been championed in the Dutch media as an option to replace Guus Hiddink, but Koeman only has eyes for St Mary's.

The Netherlands have disappointed since returning from what was a successful World Cup in Brazil. Louis van Gaal guided them to a third-placed finish in the summer before taking over at Manchester United, with his replacement Guus Hiddink returning for a second spell in charge of the national team as his replacement.

But three defeats in four games has led to questions being asked of the former Chelsea boss despite his limited time in charge.

Ronald de Boer, former Netherlands player and brother of Ajax boss Frank de Boer, had said earlier in the week after seeing the Netherlands lose to Iceland that Hiddink was an outdated coach and that one of the younger managers in the Dutch game should be given a chance as manager of the national team, before name checking former Feyenoord boss Koeman.

The Barcelona legend only took over at St Mary's this summer, replacing Mauricio Pochettino, and has made a stunning start to Premier League life by guiding the South Coast club to the Premier League top three despite massive squad upheaval.

The Saints' new boss assured Southampton fans that he wouldn't be leaving the club even if the Netherlands did indeed approach him regarding replacing Hiddink.

Che Thomas

Che is an Englishman abroad unable to cut the apron strings tying him to the crazy world of English football. As a writer and freelance journalist, he has covered matches and cultural events from across the globe all with the intention to inform, entertain and provoke debate. Just as smitten with music, film, and photography, though fully aware of the fact that nothing takes the place of that Saturday afternoon excitement down at N17 (even when it's actually on a Sunday!)